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Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens Recipe

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, nourishing meal that’s truly effortless to prepare, this Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens Recipe is an absolute gem. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this soup simmers all day in the slow cooker to deliver a heartwarming bowl ready whenever you are.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Super easy and hands-off: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you live your day.
Nutritious and filling: Lentils, potatoes, and fresh greens combine to offer fiber, protein, and vital vitamins.
Rich, layered flavors: A beautiful array of spices like cumin, paprika, and herbs infuse the soup deeply.
Perfect for any season: Hearty enough for chilly nights but light enough for a satisfying lunch.

A close-up of a bowl filled with thick brown soup, showing visible pieces of vegetables and chunks of meat inside the broth. The soup is topped with freshly chopped green onions that add a bright green color contrast. The bowl is dark with a handle, placed on top of a green cloth on a white marbled surface. A metal spoon with a black handle is inside the bowl, partially submerged in the soup. In the background, there is another bowl and a small cup on the same white marbled surface, out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens, Healthy Lentil Soup, Easy Vegetarian Soup, Cozy Lentil and Vegetable Soup, Nourishing Slow Cooker Soup

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role — onions and garlic provide a fragrant base, lentils and potatoes lend comforting texture, while fresh greens add a vibrant touch. The spices then tie everything together with warmth and depth.

Flat lay of diced medium onion, vibrant orange carrot cubes, fresh celery ribs, peeled garlic cloves, bright green beans cut into pieces, crushed red tomatoes in a rich pile, small diced baby potatoes, dried brown lentils, and a mix of colorful dried spices including paprika, oregano, thyme, cumin, and coriander, arranged artfully with lemon halves and fresh Italian parsley sprigs, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens, Healthy Lentil Soup, Easy Vegetarian Soup, Cozy Lentil and Vegetable Soup, Nourishing Slow Cooker Soup
  • Brown or green lentils: They hold their shape well and offer a lovely earthy flavor; red lentils tend to become mushy if you prefer a soupier texture.
  • Baby potatoes: Their waxy texture helps them stay firm and absorb the soup’s flavors beautifully.
  • Carrots and celery: Classic aromatics that add subtle sweetness and crunch.
  • Crushed tomatoes: Provide acidity and body, balancing the earthiness of the lentils.
  • Greens (spinach or kale): These vibrant additions give color, nutrients, and fresh aromas when stirred in at the end.
  • Spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika: These are essential for that cozy, inviting flavor profile.
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: Use vegetable broth to keep it vegan-friendly or chicken broth for a richer taste.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Load the Slow Cooker

Start by dicing your onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and mincing garlic. Add all these veggies along with green beans, lentils, crushed tomatoes, and the broth right into your slow cooker. Sprinkle in the spices—paprika, oregano, thyme, cumin, and coriander—for that irresistible depth of flavor.

Step 2: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Stir everything together until well combined, then cover and cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or LOW for 8-10 hours. This slow cooking allows all those ingredients to meld and develop into a rich, hearty soup you’ll crave.

Step 3: Add the Greens and Finish

About five minutes before serving, stir in your fresh or frozen greens such as baby spinach or kale to wilt gently. Season the soup with mineral salt and black pepper to taste, then finish off with a bright squeeze of lemon juice. Finally, sprinkle chopped Italian parsley on top for a fresh herbal lift.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens Recipe

A close-up view of a bowl of soup showing two main layers: the bottom layer is a rich, reddish-brown broth filled with various lentils and small vegetable pieces, creating a textured and hearty base, while the top layer is a generous sprinkle of fresh, bright green chopped spring onions scattered evenly across the surface, adding a fresh contrast to the warm soup below. The bowl is white and placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens, Healthy Lentil Soup, Easy Vegetarian Soup, Cozy Lentil and Vegetable Soup, Nourishing Slow Cooker Soup

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is the star garnish here, adding a lovely pop of color and freshness. If you like a bit of creaminess, a dollop of plant-based yogurt or a drizzle of good olive oil also elevates the final bowl beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup loves company! Serve alongside homemade vegan cornbread, warm naan bread, or thick slices of crusty artisan bread for sopping up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad can also balance the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic feel, serve the soup in big, deep bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze extra brightness. To impress guests, offer an array of garnishes like toasted seeds, chili flakes, or fresh herbs so everyone can customize their bowl. Serving it in mini bowls or mugs makes it a delightful appetizer at gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or sturdy bags, label them, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to cool completely before freezing for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a pot over medium heat until simmering. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. The flavors will taste just as vibrant as the first day.

FAQs

  1. Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green lentils?

    Yes, you can! However, red lentils tend to break down more during cooking and will create a creamier, less chunky soup. If that’s the texture you prefer, go for red lentils, but for more bite and structure, stick with brown or green lentils.

  2. Is it possible to make this soup vegan?

    Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a completely vegan Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens Recipe that’s just as flavorful and hearty.

  3. How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

    If you want a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or blend a portion of the soup after cooking. To thin it out, simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

  4. Can I add other vegetables to this lentil soup?

    Definitely! Feel free to toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or diced sweet potatoes. Just be mindful of cooking times—harder vegetables like sweet potatoes should go in with the lentils, while delicate ones are best added towards the end.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens Recipe is a true kitchen win—flavorful, easy, and packed with wholesome goodness. Whether you’re feeding family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Grab your slow cooker and dive in—comfort food at its finest awaits!

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Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens Recipe

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Potatoes, Carrots, and Greens Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 87 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A hearty and wholesome slow cooker lentil soup packed with vegetables, herbs, and spices. This comforting recipe uses simple ingredients and slow cooking to develop rich flavors, making it perfect for a nutritious, filling meal that is easy to prepare and ideal for busy days.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 carrots (about 1 cup), diced
  • 4 celery ribs, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 pound baby potatoes, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils
  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Spices

  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander

Optional & Finishing Ingredients

  • 2 handfuls of baby spinach or kale (optional)
  • Mineral salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and baby potatoes. Mince the garlic. Cut green beans into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, green beans, crushed tomatoes, diced baby potatoes, lentils, paprika, oregano, thyme, cumin, coriander, and broth into the slow cooker. Stir everything together well to combine the ingredients evenly.
  3. Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or on LOW for 8-10 hours, allowing the lentils and vegetables to soften and flavors to develop fully.
  4. Add Greens: About 5 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir in the optional baby spinach or kale and allow the greens to wilt in the residual heat.
  5. Season and Finish: Season the soup with mineral salt and black pepper to taste. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the pot and stir to blend the bright flavor.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly chopped Italian parsley. Serve hot, pairing well with vegan cornbread, vegan naan, or artisan bread.

Notes

  • This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for 4-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
  • For longer storage, freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
  • You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the recipe fully vegan.
  • Adjust seasoning as per taste, adding more spices or herbs if desired.

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